Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant economic, technological, and social change that began in Great Britain in the mid-18th century and lasted through the 19th century. It was characterized by the introduction of new forms of energy, such as steam power, and new forms of manufacturing, such as the factory system, which led to a dramatic increase in productivity and economic growth. (History, 2022).

“The Industrial Revolution was a period of scientific and technological development in the 18th century that transformed largely rural, agrarian societies—especially in Europe and North America (History, 2022)”

The Industrial Revolution brought about many positive changes in society. One of the most significant was the increase in productivity and efficiency in manufacturing. This led to lower prices for consumer goods and an overall improvement in living standards for many people.

According to (Mokyr, J. 1990), “The effects of the gains in productivity allowed Europe to expand its population manifold in blatant defiance of Malthusian constraints; to provide Europeans with a quality of life incomparably higher than that of traditional societies; to extend, for a while, political control over most of mankind; and to reshape technology elsewhere in the European image”.

He also said additionally the Industrial Revolution brought about advances in transportation and communication, making it easier for people to move and stay connected. This helped to spur economic growth and create new job opportunities. Another positive aspect of the Industrial Revolution was the development of new technologies and scientific advancements. These innovations helped to improve the quality of life for many people and laid the foundation for many of the technological advances we enjoy today.

On the other hand, during the Industrial Revolution, many people’s lives were also marked by poverty, poor working conditions and limited social mobility. The growth of factories and the rise of the urban working class led to overcrowding, substandard housing and inadequate sanitation in many cities, factory workers often worked long hours for low wages and in dangerous conditions, and child labour was common, according to (History, 2022) “Meanwhile, even as industrialization increased economic output overall and improved the standard of living for the middle and upper classes, poor and working-class people continued to struggle. The mechanization of labour created by technological innovation had made working in factories increasingly tedious (and sometimes dangerous), and many workers—including children—were forced to work long hours for pitifully low wages.”

As in any period of significant changes in society, Art could not be left out. In this period, there were significant changes in the way of thinking and producing art in Europe and the world. One of the most significant artistic movements of this period was Art Nouveau.

Art Nouveau

Art nouveau is an international style of decorative art and architecture characterized by the use of curved lines, asymmetry and organic forms. It emerged in the late 19th century and was popular until around 1914. The name “Art nouveau” is French for “new art”. according to ( Belanger Grafton, C., 2015), “On December 26, 1895, Siegfried Bing, a successful German art dealer based in Paris, opened a new gallery at 22 rue de Provence, which he called Maison del ‘Art Nouveau (“House of New Art”)”

Art nouveau was heavily influenced by the natural world, and designers often incorporated elements such as flowers, vines, and insects into their work. It was also heavily influenced by the work of Japanese artists, and designers often used asymmetrical lines and shapes to create a sense of movement and fluidity in their work.

“..it was inspired by natural forms and structures, particularly the curved lines of plants and flowers. (Dewidar, Khaled M. 2018).”

One of the most famous art nouveau architects was Hector Guimard, who designed the entrances to the Paris Metro system. His use of curved lines and organic shapes helped create a sense of movement and fluidity in his designs.

Another famous art nouveau designer was Alphonse Mucha, whose posters and illustrations were characterized by their use of flowing lines and vibrant colors.

Art nouveau was popular in many different countries, including Belgium, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. In Belgium, for example, we had the architecture of Victor Horta and the furniture of Henry van de Velde. In France, we had the architect Hector Guimard and the glassworks of Émile Gallé. All these artists served and still serve as inspiration for a generation of professionals until the days of today.

Art nouveau is considered an important and influential movement in art and architecture that marked the transition from traditional to modern art, even if it was a short-lived movement. This work can be seen on many buildings and other structures around the world and continues to inspire artists and designers to this day.

The characteristics of Art Nouveau according to Carol Belanger (2015):

1. Organic forms: Art Nouveau artists were inspired by natural forms, such as plants, flowers, and other organic shapes. These forms were often abstracted and stylized, with flowing, sinuous lines and curving shapes.
2. Decorative motifs: Art Nouveau designs were highly decorative, featuring intricate patterns and motifs. Common decorative elements included floral designs, insects, and other natural motifs.
3. Emphasis on craftsmanship: Art Nouveau artists placed a strong emphasis on the craftsmanship and quality of their work. Many artists created highly detailed and labour-intensive designs that required a high level of technical skill.
4. Use of new materials: Art Nouveau artists embraced new materials and technologies, such as cast iron, glass, and new printing techniques, to create their designs.
5. Integration of art and everyday life: Art Nouveau artists believed that art should be integrated into everyday life and accessible to everyone. Many artists created designs for everyday objects, such as furniture, jewellery, and household items.
6. Sensuality: Art Nouveau designs often had a sensual quality, featuring curved lines and organic forms that evoked a sense of movement and vitality.

Overall, Art Nouveau was a highly decorative and ornamental style that emphasized the beauty of natural forms and the importance of craftsmanship in art and design.

Bibliography

History (2022) ‘Industrial revolution’, History. Available at: https://www.history.com/topics/industrial-revolution/industrial-revolution (Accessed: 22 January 2023).

Mokyr, J. (1990). The lever of riches: Technological creativity and economic progress. Oxford University Press.

Belanger Grafton, C. (2015). Art nouveau: the essential reference. Dover Publications Inc.

Dewidar, K. (n.d.) Art Nouveau Style, Art Nouveaux Style (1890-1910). The British University in Egypt. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325147127_Art_Nouveau_Style (Accessed: January 30, 2023).

Pictography

Fig 1. Cotton Spinning : Its Development, principles, and practice : Marsden, Richard, 1837-1903 : Free download, Borrow, and streaming (1884) Internet Archive. London : G. Bell. Available at: https://archive.org/details/cottonspinningit00mars/page/202/mode/2up (Accessed: March 18, 2023).

Fig 2. Two women operate a shell case forming machine at the New Gun Factory at Woolwich (no date) Omeka RSS. The First World War Poetry Digital Archive. Available at: http://ww1lit.nsms.ox.ac.uk/ww1lit/collections/item/3710 (Accessed: March 18, 2023).

Fig 3. Many youngsters here. Some boys and girls were so small they had to climb up on to the spinning frame to mend broken threads and to put back the empty bobbins. (no date) National Archives and Records Administration. National Archives and Records Administration. Available at: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/523148 (Accessed: March 18, 2023).

Fig 4. The entrance of metro station Porte Dauphine in Paris 16th arrondissement, France. The building is a work of french architect Hector Guimard. (no date) Art Nouveau. Wikipedia. Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paris_Metro_2_Porte_Dauphine_Libellule.JPG (Accessed: March 18, 2023).

Fig 5. Alphonse Mucha: Art nouveau visionary (exhibition) (no date) Alphonse Mucha: Art Nouveau Visionary. NCMALearn. Available at: https://learn.ncartmuseum.org/resources/alphonse-mucha-art-nouveau-visionary/ (Accessed: March 18, 2023).

Fig 6. Design and art magazine (no date) Master of Light: Victor Horta in Brussels. DESIGN and ART MAGAZINE. Available at: https://www.designartmagazine.com/2018/04/ (Accessed: March 18, 2023).

Fig 7. Victor Horta, architectural genius (no date) Engel & Völkers. Available at: https://www.engelvoelkers.com/en-be/latem/blog/victor-horta-architectural-genius/ (Accessed: March 19, 2023).